EXCLUSIVE: Agent Confirms Arsenal Interest in Prolific Nigerian Starlet Kelechi Iheanacho

The agent of Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has confirmed that Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley has been watching the youngster's performances at the Under-17 World Cup and admitted that his client would be delighted to join the north London club.

Iheanacho, who plays for Taye Academy in his homeland, helped Nigeria win the U17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and was crowned the Most Valuable Player at the tournament after finishing with six goals and seven assists in seven appearances.

The 17-year-old made headlines after scoring four goals in a single game against Mexico and was once again on target in the final against the same opposition as Nigeria ran out deserved 3-0 winners.

Arsenal sent Rowley to watch the competition having previously used it to identify talent such as Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Vela who were both signed after starring in the tournament in 2003 and 2005 respectively.

Now it seems as though the Gunners could well be one of a number of clubs looking to Iheanacho, with his agent Henry Galeano confirming that the striker would jump at the chance to represent Arsenal and follow in the footsteps of Nigerian legend Kanu.

"I can confirm that Arsenal FC's Steve Rowley, acknowledged Kelechi Iheanacho's talents early in the World Cup and has said some very nice words about him," Galeano told IBTimes UK.

"We're ecstatic to have another major club like Arsenal following young Iheanacho. That said, the attention is well deserved. Iheanacho's performance at the World Cup was indeed remarkable.

"Iheanacho has consistently shown good form and the statistics throughout his career as a Youth player with the Nigerian National Team, are quite impressive. Even during the World Cup qualifications in Morocco, Iheanacho was the second highest goal-scorer.

"At present we are considering and evaluating all options. Our goal is to match Iheanacho with a club that fits his profile, and a club that can bring out the very best in him.

"If Arsenal F.C. is an option on the table, we'll be glad to sit down and consider it. Iheanacho wouldn't be the first Nigerian making it into the team. The thought of him following in the footsteps of the great Kanu definitely has a nice ring to it."

Kanu joined Arsenal back in 1999 and went on to win two Premier League titles and the FA Cup on two occasions during a five-year spell in north London.

He remains a popular figure in Nigerian football having played some 87 times for his country and it seems Iheanacho would love the opportunity to follow in his footsteps by representing Arsenal.